Celebrating our nurses: Elizabeth Knudsen

This International Nurses Day, we recognise and celebrate the essential role nurses play in strengthening the health and wellbeing of our communities. We’re proud to have an amazing group of passionate and talented nurses who support our community, including Elizabeth Knudsen, a dedicated nurse whose work is grounded in family, culture and community care.

Elizabeth, known to many as Lizzy, is from the Lui and Gela families of Erub (Darnley Island, Torres Strait). Born and raised in Cairns, she maintains strong connections to her family across the Torres Strait, Cairns and further afield – connections that continue to shape her approach to nursing practice.

For Lizzy, nursing is about more than clinical care. A typical day involves being attentive and curious – noticing when someone isn’t quite their usual self and taking the time to ensure they feel safe, supported and heard.

“As a nurse, I have the opportunity and the obligation to make sure my family and community are safe,” Lizzy explains.

In her current role as Project Manager for the Lung Cancer Screening Program, Lizzy works on improving care pathways for people living with lung cancer. Her focus is on ensuring these pathways are culturally safe, responsive and supportive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“It’s a deadly opportunity to follow the journey of Mob through the system and look at how we can do things better,” she says.

Lizzy’s journey into nursing was inspired by her mum. When her mum became unwell, Lizzy began studying nursing in an effort to better understand how to support her and help her family navigate the health system.

“That was my aha moment,” she says. “Helping my mum and my families turned into a strong passion for community nursing.”

Her career began in community aged care nursing and has since spanned multiple roles across IUIH, including work with the Hearing Team, Mob Link, Palliative Care and Public Health. Each role has strengthened her commitment to culturally safe, person‑centred care.

Lizzy encourages anyone considering a career in nursing to give it a go.

“The people we love and who keep us strong are so important to us. Nursing gives you the chance to look out for them and help protect their wellbeing,” she says.

“It’s definitely one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.”

We thank Lizzy and all nurses for the compassion, leadership and care they bring to their work every day. Their dedication continues to make a meaningful difference for our Community.